Lahore terrorists same as those who struck Mumbai: Punjab governor (Lead)

Lahore, March 3 (IANS) The terrorists who attacked the Sri Lankan cricket team here Tuesday morning were the same who had struck in Mumbai, Punjab Governor Salman Taseer said. “It was a planned terrorist act on the pattern of the attack on Mumbai. I believe the same terrorists are involved in both the incidents,” Taseer told reporters.

More than 170 people were killed in the Mumbai terror attack that began on Nov 26 last year and ended only 60 hours later.

Taseer told a TV channel that the Sri Lankan team was provided “VIP security. They had full security, otherwise worse would have happened. The security personnel fought back.”

He said that though (former Pakistan president) General Pervez Musharraf had security, he was also attacked twice.

“A stash of arms and ammunition has been seized,” Taseer said, adding: “We are pursuing these people. We will get the perpetrators.”

He went on to say that Pakistan was a victim of terrorism.

Five escorting security personnel were killed and at least six Sri Lankan cricketers injured Tuesday when heavily armed gunmen attacked the team cavalcade when it was on its way to the Gaddafi stadium here for the ongoing Test.